Joyce Irene (Duncan) Johnson

Joyce cast aside the mantel of life to join her husband, Earl, in the eternal arms of heaven during the early morning hours of April 24, 2013. She was born on April 6, 1935, to E.B. and Emma (McMahon) Duncan in Leavenworth WA. Her early childhood was spent on the family homestead at White River, near Lake Wenatchee. They returned to Leavenworth, where she attended school, graduating from Leavenworth High School in 1953. It was there, she met and later married her lifelong love, Earl C. Johnson. Earl and Joyce moved to Spokane after their wedding, where he worked for Safeway. They returned to Leavenworth, spending the summers in Quincy on the family ranch, then back home during the fall and winter months. In 1958, Joyce gave birth to their first daughter, Cindy. Youngest daughter, Teri followed in 1961. When the girls were school age and returned to school each fall, Joyce spent many hours working in her parent’s orchard harvesting fruit, packing fruit at the Leavenworth Fruit Shed, or marking fish at the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery. A remarkable seamstress, she made most of the girl’s clothes by hand, and baked delicious meals and desserts. She created a warm and loving home for Earl and their daughters. Earl was a member of The Jaycees, where he and Joyce enjoyed meetings and parties with many friends. They were also members of Amberleaf Theater, where they danced, sang and entertained tourists and local crowds, usually with much comedy on Earl’s part. In the early 70’s, Joyce enticed her Mom and daughters into making ceramics. The hobby grew into Mountain Home Ceramics. Local ladies enjoyed coming and learning how to make their own creations. The family run business ended in 1976, when it was sold. After Earl’s retirement, he and Joyce began making beautiful scrollwork creations, from plaques to elaborate clocks. Joyce did the tracing and wood burning. Earl did the cutting and sanding. They were quite a pair! As members of The Grange, they set up a booth during Leavenworth’s various festivals to sell their art. They not only sold numerous items, but gifted many friends and family with their creations. All were made with love.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Cindy (David) Creech of Leavenworth and Teri (Jack) Kilgore of Wenatchee; two grandchildren, Jarred Creech and Jennifer Radach; and three great grandchildren, Layne Creech, Emma Radach and Kaylee Radach all of Leavenworth. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl on September 24, 2012; her parents; a brother, Jack Duncan; and sister, Betty Darlington.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Karl Kranz and the staff of Cashmere Convalescent Center for their tireless caring and compassion.

A Memorial Service of Commemoration to Celebrate the Life of Earl and Joyce Johnson will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. at the Mt. View Cemetery in Leavenworth. Ward’s Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth is in charge of the arrangements.